THE CROWNING WITH THORNS
1. Pilate asks, "Are You a king?" Jesus answers:
"I am a King, but My kingdom is not of this world."
2. In the
praetorium, the soldiers place an old purple robe on Jesus in mockery of His
claim to be a king.
3. They
fashion a crown out of thorns, and forcefully press it down upon His head.
4. In His
bound hands they place a reed, as a scepter, in mockery of His kingship.
5. Kneeling
before Him in derision, they spit on Him, and cry out: "Hail, King of the
Jews!"
6. Taking
the reed from His hand they strike Him on the head, driving the thorns more
deeply into His scalp.
7. Pilate
brings Jesus before the people, hoping His pitiful sight will soften them:
"Behold the man!"
8. Their
response: "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!"
9. Our
Blessed Lord submitted to this terrible humiliation to make reparation for our
pride.
10. Father, by the
merits of this painful humiliation, have mercy on us and on the whole world.